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Festivities and Celebrations
Besides hosting prayers and Earth God related activities, Fude Temple on Dianzai Street has also hosted celebrations and activities during different festivities for worshippers to take part. We would like to share some of the special festivities. Lunar New Year – Embracing Good Fortune
Lunar New Year is a very important holiday in many Asian countries! The temple hosts a Year-End Gathering on Lunar New Year’s Eve, and it has also prepared dumplings to symbolize wealth for worshippers to welcome the arrival of the new year. On the first day of Lunar New Year, there is scripture reciting at 9:00 A.M. and traditional Chinese instrument playing at 1:00 P.M. The first day of Lunar New Year is filled with festivities, and such bustling atmosphere is perfect for welcoming good luck. On the fifth day of Lunar New Year, there is a welcoming ceremony for God of Wealth at 9:00 A.M., and followers are invited to join the festivity. On the ninth day of Lunar New Year is Jade Emperor’s birthday. All temples will be busy with prayers and festivities, and Fude Temple on Dianzai Street is no exception. Welcoming God of Wealth – Embracing Luck for Riches
On the fifteenth day of March on the lunar calendar, the temple hosts a ceremony to celebrate the birthday of God of Wealth. The festivity would bring good fortune to worshippers so they will see booming business. People who want to replenish their luck for riches may sign up ahead of time. On the day of the ceremony, a Taoist monk will lead the worshippers in prayer. They will pray to Earth God first, followed by God of Wealth, and finally the ceremony will end with the burning of zhizha carriage and boat to signify sending poverty away. Birthdays of Various Deities – Blessing with Good Luck
Besides Earth God, the temple is also home to Tiger God, Cabinet Boayi, God of Wisdom, and more. On their birthdays, the temple would prepare longevity buns, longevity noodles, and fruits to celebrate. Mother’s Day – Gathering and Activities for Families
On Mother’s Day, the temple and the foundation will invite local businesses to set up carnival rides for children so parents may bring their kids to the temple for a fun-filled afternoon. There is also cotton candy and a stage for those who want to sing so the entire family will have a great time celebrating Mother’s Day. Chung Yang Festival and Moon Festival
The temple will select a day near Chung Yang Festival and another day near Moon Festival for the celebration. The temple will invite local seniors who live alone and children from Rongguan Orphanage to join the festivities. There will also be school band performing and a medical team from Yonghe Cardinal Tien Hospital to check up on the state of health of the seniors. Finally, the temple will give out a small present and red envelopes to those who took part in the festivities. Source Text: The Wondrous Temple Expedition, interview with temple staffs │
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